EVOO Enters Fast Food in the United States

EVOO Enters the Kitchens of Fast Food Chains in the United States

Sweetgreen, the American fast food chain that serves healthy food on a large scale, has announced that it will use extra virgin olive oil in all of its menu items filled with fresh vegetables, grains, and protein.

Since October 24, EVOO has been incorporated into Sweetgreen’s menu to enhance its dishes: from warm bowls prepared on a bed of grains to salads topped with abundant protein and roasted vegetables.

In a statement, the North American company—which has more than 200 restaurants in the United States—stated that, since its inception, Sweetgreen has prioritized high-quality, local, and minimally processed ingredients. Today, by using EVOO, it continues to fulfill this commitment, giving customers the assurance that all ingredients, down to the cooking oil, meet the brand’s highest sourcing standards, as emphasized.

“Reinventing fast food goes beyond the kitchen and begins with a strong and transparent supply chain. By partnering with trusted suppliers and producers, we consider how each ingredient is prepared, right down to the oil it’s cooked in,” emphasized Nicolas Jammet, Sweetgreen’s co-founder and chief concept officer, who assured that “while there’s still work to be done, we hope this change will raise the bar and continue to inspire our industry to make quality products more affordable.”

Sweetgreen noted that it carefully selects its partners for their shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and quality ingredients. In this regard, the chain specified that Sweetgreen’s EVOO supplier is Bari Olive Oil Company, one of the oldest olive oil companies in the United States, in business since 1936.

This extra virgin olive oil is produced in California using organic and sustainable practices. Additionally, alongside this company, Sweetgreen is also introducing Texas Olive Ranch to its 17 locations in the Texas market.

The North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) noted on its website that the restaurant chain’s use of EVOO in cooking underscores its commitment to health in several ways, as extra virgin olive oil has been linked to better heart health and is rich in… in antioxidants, is naturally extracted and minimally processed, and is the most stable cooking oil.

Furthermore, this partnership demonstrates Sweetgreen’s long-standing commitment to sourcing ingredients sustainably, a practice that benefits both the environment and local communities. EVOO, he said, can also align with these values.

The NAOOA explained that by using extra virgin olive oil in its restaurants, Sweetgreen joins other fast-food chains such as Elevation Burger, Springbone Kitchen, and BB.Q Chicken that use olive oil to cook their food. “These restaurants demonstrate care and commitment to their customers by choosing health and flavor over the end result,” the company emphasized.

“Sweetgreen’s decision to cook with extra virgin olive oil demonstrates its unwavering commitment to health, sustainability, and culinary innovation. We hope this bold move will encourage more restaurants to follow its lead and prioritize healthy, quality ingredients.” Ultimately, the goal is to provide diners with the nutritious and flavorful dining experiences they crave, ensuring the culinary landscape evolves for a healthier and more satisfying future,” it concluded.